5 Games That Will Define the Jacksonville Jaguars' 2014 Season

5 Games That Will Define the Jacksonville Jaguars' 2014 Season

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Just like every season, the Jacksonville Jaguars enter 2014 as underdogs. While improvements have been made in several key areas on the roster, such as running back, and Gus Bradley has won over the fanbase, there is still much to be found out about this Jaguars team. Here are the five games that will define the Jaguars’ 2014 season.

5. Week 1 at Philadelphia Eagles

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5. Week 1 at Philadelphia Eagles

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What a tough draw. The Jaguars will likely serve as crash-test dummies for the 2014 debut of the Eagles’ electric offensive attack. Considering how much the Jaguars’ offense struggles in comparison, it’s tough to imagine the Jags pulling off an upset here. However, any type of positive takeaway, such as a close score or a strong game from Toby Gerhart, would be beneficial.

4. Week 3 vs. Indianapolis Colts

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4. Week 3 vs. Indianapolis Colts

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Facing the pride of the AFC South so early in the season will be very difficult. However, this will be the Jaguars’ first home game of the season, so maybe that will be a motivator to bring their A-game against their divisional rivals. An upset here would obviously be a huge boost for the Jags, but don’t count on it.

3. Week 4 at San Diego Chargers

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3. Week 4 at San Diego Chargers

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The Jaguars’ challenging first quarter of the regular season ends with a trip to the beach to play the Chargers. Look for the Jags to put the ball in the air early and often in this matchup, as the Chargers were the fourth-worst pass defending team in the NFL last season.

2. Week 7 vs. Cleveland Browns

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2. Week 7 vs. Cleveland Browns

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It’s hard not to compare these two teams, as they both regularly bring up the rear in their respective divisions. A win here over the Browns is crucial, as it would prove to the football world that the Jaguars have climbed a rung in the AFC power ladder — or at least pulled themselves out of laughingstock status.

1. Week 10 vs. Dallas Cowboys

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1. Week 10 vs. Dallas Cowboys

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The Jaguars could exploit the Cowboys’ weak secondary, especially if second-round pick Marqise Lee has done some developing by this point. Regardless, the Jaguars need to pick up some type of positive outcome in this game before entering their Week 11 bye.